Raúl M. Grijalva, a dedicated advocate for environmental protections and progressive ideals, passed away on Thursday at the age of 77. Serving twelve terms as the Democratic representative for southern Arizona, Grijalva rose to chair the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, which he used as a platform to influence national environmental policies. Known for his strong support of immigrant rights and Native American tribes, Grijalva was a prominent figure in his Tucson community and on Capitol Hill in Washington, often distinguished by his signature bolo tie.
His office announced that Grijalva died due to complications arising from cancer treatment which had kept him away from Congress in recent months. “From permanently protecting the Grand Canyon for future generations to strengthening the Affordable Care Act, his proudest moments in Congress have always been guided by community voices,” his office noted. The political realms felt another loss as Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas, a fellow Democrat, passed away last week.
Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic Leader, remarked on Grijalva’s passing, stating that both the nation and Congress had “lost a giant.” Jeffries added, “Congressman Grijalva represented his community fiercely, keeping his constituents and the climate at the center of everything he did.”
Grijalva, whose father immigrated from Mexico, first joined the House in 2002. As a liberal stalwart, he led the Congressional Progressive Caucus for many years, concentrating much of his work on environmental issues. Though he resigned from his leadership role on the Natural Resources Committee earlier this year and announced his retirement decision, he had initially planned to seek reelection in 2026. Despite a cancer diagnosis a year ago, he declared he could manage his duties. He won his 2024 reelection decisively in his securely Democratic district of southern Arizona, which extends from Tucson to the Mexican border.
The vacant congressional seat in this predominantly Hispanic district will be filled in a special election later this year. A fierce Democratic primary contest is expected between Grijalva’s allies and more moderate candidates. Possible contenders include his daughter, Adelita Grijalva, a member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, known for her close association with Grijalva.
Adelita Grijalva reflected on her father’s legacy, describing him as “the smartest person I’ll ever know — a fighter until the end.” She emphasized his love for family and community, noting, “He was not a perfect person, but he had perfect intentions and wanted to do good. It’s been my honor to be Raúl Grijalva’s daughter — a badge I wear with immense pride.”
Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona, who formerly served in the House, expressed his sorrow, saying, “Congressman Grijalva was not just my colleague, but my friend.” Emphasizing the impact Grijalva had as a role model, Gallego noted his dedication to equality and set an example for many young Latinos in Arizona. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders lauded Grijalva as “one of the most progressive members” of the House. Sanders emphasized Grijalva’s lifelong commitment to working families, stating, “He will be sorely missed.”
Beginning his career as a community organizer in Tucson, Grijalva served on the local school board before transitioning to the Pima County Board of Supervisors. He resigned from this role in 2002 to pursue a congressional seat in Arizona’s newly established 7th District. Known for championing the underdogs, Grijalva valued an approachability grounded in treating all individuals as equals.
His work spanned vital issues such as water security in drought-hit areas and securing funding for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund to preserve natural areas. His efforts were instrumental in the enactment of significant legislation like the National Landscape Conservation System Act and the Federal Lands Restoration Act, signed by President Barack Obama. He also advocated for the establishment of a new national monument near the Grand Canyon to prevent uranium mining, aligning with Native American tribes’ desires to safeguard ancestral lands.
Grijalva was an opponent of a proposed large-scale copper mine located approximately 70 miles east of Phoenix. Fellow Arizonan Republican Rep. David Schweikert remembered Grijalva’s kindness and humor, mentioning their collaborative work on animal protection issues. Democratic Rep. Jesús G. “Chuy” Garcia from Illinois shared a quote dear to Grijalva from the Spanish song “El Rey” about the journey’s significance over the destination, capturing Grijalva’s spirit in all his efforts.